"We agreed that a full and unconditional ceasefire must begin on Monday, May 12, for at least 30 days. We jointly demand this from Russia, and we know we are supported in this by the United States," Zelensky said.
The announcement follows mounting fears that the two nuclear-armed countries were on the brink of engaging in another full-scale war.
Ukrainian media outlet ZN.UA reported on May 10 that their law enforcement sources confirmed an ongoing probe by the National Anti-Corruption Bureau into suspected embezzlement, money laundering and bribery.
Iran is preparing to send Russia Fath-360 short-range ballistic missile launchers, Reuters reported on May 9, citing Western security and regional officials familiar with the matter.
"Ukraine and all allies are ready for a complete unconditional ceasefire on land, in the air, and at sea for at least 30 days, starting as early as Monday," Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha wrote.
U.S. President Donald Trump has acknowledged in private that Russia is difficult to negotiate with because they "want the whole thing," referring to Ukraine, the WSJ reported, citing sources familiar with the comments.
The visit marks Merz’s first trip to Ukraine, and the first time all four leaders have travelled there together.
A notice about the airspace closure was published on the U.S. Defense Department's NOTAM (Notice to Airmen) website on May 10, as cited by Ukrainian defense news outlet Militarnyi.
"As in the past, it is now for Russia to show its willingness to achieve peace," the EU's statement reads.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov rejected the idea of a 30-day ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine, claiming in an interview with ABC News on May 10 that it would be "an advantage" for Ukraine.
"Our involvement in the war was justifiable, and this belongs to our sovereign rights," North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un said. "I regard this as part of the sacred mission we must execute for our brothers and comrades-in-arms."
The number includes 1,310 casualties that Russian forces suffered over the past day.
Economy Ministry: Allies donate over $700 million in demining aid to Ukraine
Ukraine has received over $700 million for humanitarian demining projects for 2022-2027 from international partners, the Economy Ministry announced on April 4.
The announcement came on International Mine Risk Education and Assistance Day, observed globally on April 4 to raise awarness of mine threats and promote demining efforts.
"Through joint work, it is possible to return land to productive use, protect the population from the effects of explosive hazards, and strengthen the mine action system in Ukraine," the ministry said.
The ministry identified the United States, Switzerland, Norway, Japan, and E.U. countries as key donors, among other partners.
Demining efforts will be carried out by the government in coordination with leading experts in the field and emergency response services, the ministry said. Leading coordinators include the country's Sectoral Working Group, which brings together donors, and the Mine Action Cluster, relaunched in March 2024 to be "a platform for programmatic coordination of relevant actors."
Ukrainian officials have reported that nearly a third of Ukraine's land, totaling around 174,000 square kilometers, has been mined since Russia's full-scale invasion began in February 2022.
Deep minefields between Ukrainian troops and entrenched Russian positions Ukraine played a significant role in halting the 2023 counteroffensive and preventing the liberation of occupied territories.
The ministry said on April 4 that mine-related explosions have killed 296 civilians and injured 665 others.
Lithuania announced in July 2023 that it would assemble a coalition to assist Kyiv in its demining programs. The coalition currently includes about 20 countries.
Rich Wordsworth
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